Neptune’s Fountain in the Schönbrunn’s Park

Neptune’s Fountain is situated at the end of Schönbrunn Palace garden where the hill with Gloriette begins to rise. It is monumental element that completes overall appearance of the park and Schönbrunn Palace.

Site excavation for the water reservoir began in 1776 and the fountain itself was completed four years later. Fountain of Neptune was built by design of Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg and Neptun’s sculpture is the work of Wilheim Beyer. The stately baroque sculpture captures the mythic scene in which the sea goddess Thetis implores Neptune's aid when her son Achilles sets out on a sea to conquer Troy. The rear wall of the Neptune's Fountain is curved up the hill and decorated with a balustrade.

Neptune, god of the sea and his entourage, is on oval pedestal in the middle. A view of Neptune with trident moving over his surface estate is a traditional motif in the 16th to 18th century symbolizing the rulers and their power. Neptune's Fountain is a monumental piece of architecture but it also helps make the castle garden very pleasant on hot days.